Rockford bus drivers defeat privatization and win strong contract

Before they entered bargaining for a new union contract, members of AFSCME Local 1275 who work as bus drivers for Rockford Public Schools felt like the odds were stacked against them. 

But with unity, persistence and support from their community, they overcame some of management’s most harmful proposals—and won a contract that puts them on sound footing for years to come.

Because management didn’t hire enough drivers over the last two years, the school district was facing a serious driver shortage. Management’s first response was to attempt to outsource their work by offering a $57 million contract to a California-based contractor, who would ship in out-of-state drivers to cover as many as 50 routes. 

“These drivers had no connections to the community,” said Craig Neilson, a bus driver and member of the Local 1275 bargaining committee. “When you live in the community, you take more pride in the work.”

Union members quickly spread the word about the plan to rely on these out-of-state drivers. Parents were not happy, voicing their anger at school board meetings and on social media.

Defeating this privatization scheme would be a key priority for the local as they entered bargaining. They were ready to fight not just to protect their work, but also to win better benefits and wage increases to help keep up with the cost of living.

After a hard fight, they came away with a fair contract that accomplishes everything they fought for.

For the first time, Local 1275 secured minimum staffing levels in their contract. That means the school district will be required to hire more drivers, allowing the union to push forward on its goal of phasing out contract drivers entirely.

In addition, they won wage increases of 17% over the three-year agreement.

“It looked dire at the beginning,” Neilson said. “But we’re feeling great about this contract now.”

The bargaining committee included Neilson, Leah Robinson, Ken Long, Sue Miller, Tracey Anderson, Jeremiah Gandy, James Wood, Keely Muraski, Elizabeth Peck, Barb Hengels and Nicole Allen. The committee was led by Council 31 Staff Representative Sara Dorner.